Aquila Theatre Company and choreographer Doug Varone team up for The Invisible Man, a new theatrical take on the story by H.G. Wells, beginning performances in New York City Oct. 21.

Created by Aquila and Varone, the production (which uses the Wells tale as a jumping off point for a new theatrical vision of the story) has choreography by Varone and original music by Anthony Cochrane, telling the story of Griffin, "a talented young scientist who makes a startling discovery," according to production notes. "In the midst of his experimentation putting his radical theories into practice, he renders himself completely invisible. This proves to be a curse, as he suffers total isolation and lack of human contact as a result of his condition. As the outcome of the experiment takes its toll, Griffin desperately tries to reverse the procedure. Though removed from society, he profoundly affects all who encounter him. The stranger becomes the outcast, reviled, hated and feared and responding with pain, madness and terror."

The staging "combines the talents of Doug Varone and Dancers with The Aquila Theatre Company to seek out a physical dramatic narrative to articulate this powerful classic story combining the art forms of literature, theatre, dance and music."

Aquila, founded in London in 1991 by Peter Meineck, is the frisky professional troupe that uses American, British and international performers to bring new life to classics. In 1999, Aquila moved to New York City and over the years presented 14 productions, including Shakespeare's Othello, Kipling's The Man Who Would Be King, Aeschylus' Agamemnon (with Olympia Dukakis); Homer's Iliad: Book One; Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Comedy of Errors and Twelfth Night..

Choreographer Doug Varone was born in Syosset and attended Purchase College. He is a choreographer of contemporary dance for the concert stage, as well as opera, Broadway, regional theatre, film and television. He is best known for the 48 dances he has created for his own company, Doug Varone and Dancers, which he founded in 1986.

The Invisible Man features set design by Peter Meineck and Robert Richmond, lighting design by Jane Cox and costume design by Megan Blackwell.

The Invisible Man will play Tuesday-Saturday at 8 PM with matinees Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday at 3 PM. Tickets are $25-$45 and are available online at TicketCentral.com or by calling (212) 279-4200.

Also, tickets may be purchased at the BPAC box office Monday-Thursday (1-6 PM) and two hours prior to curtain. Phone (646) 312-4085 for information.

For group information, call (212) 998-8017. For more information, visit www.aquilatheatre.com.

The title character of Aquila and Varone's The Invisible Man.
Photo by Brown Cathell